MOTS-C

PEPTIDES

MOTS-C (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA Type-C) is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome.

⚠️ For Research Use Only — This product is not intended for human consumption. By purchasing, you confirm you are a qualified researcher.

MOTS-C Research Peptide Overview

MOTS-C (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA Type-C) is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome. As a mitochondrial-derived peptide, MOTS-C represents a novel form of retrograde mitochondrial-to-nuclear signaling. This research peptide activates AMPK-dependent metabolic pathways and is studied in preclinical models examining cellular energy sensing, glucose metabolism, and exercise-responsive metabolic adaptation.

What Is MOTS-C  ?

MOTS-C was discovered by Lee et al. in 2015 as a peptide encoded by the 12S rRNA gene of the mitochondrial genome. Its identification established that mitochondria can produce bioactive signaling peptides that regulate nuclear gene expression and systemic metabolism, a concept termed mitochondrial-nuclear communication or mitonuclear crosstalk. MOTS-C activates AMPK signaling, which regulates glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis. Research has demonstrated that MOTS-C levels respond to metabolic stress and exercise, suggesting it functions as an endogenous exercise-responsive factor. Published studies have shown that MOTS-C translocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress conditions, where it regulates gene expression through interaction with ARE (antioxidant response element)-containing promoters (Lee et al., Cell Metabolism, 2015). This dual role as both a metabolic signaling molecule and a transcriptional regulator makes MOTS-C a unique research tool.

MOTS-C Mechanism of Action in Research

MOTS-C activates AMPK through mechanisms involving disruption of the folate-methionine cycle and subsequent effects on purine biosynthesis, leading to AICAR accumulation, a known AMPK activator. AMPK activation drives downstream effects including GLUT4-mediated glucose uptake, ACC phosphorylation (inhibiting lipogenesis), and PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis. Under metabolic stress, MOTS-C translocates from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, where it interacts with transcription factors at ARE-containing promoters to regulate stress-responsive gene expression. This nuclear translocation represents a direct mitochondrial-to-nuclear communication pathway.

Key Research Applications & Findings

  • AMPK Signaling Research has demonstrated that MOTS-C activates AMPK through a folate cycle-dependent mechanism, providing a mitochondrial-derived activator of this central metabolic kinase.
  • Exercise Biology: Published studies have shown that MOTS-C levels are exercise-responsive, positioning it as a potential mitochondrial exercise factor.
  • Mitochondrial-Nuclear Communication: MOTS-C serves as a model for studying how mitochondrial-encoded peptides regulate nuclear gene expression and systemic metabolism.
  • Glucose Metabolism: Preclinical models use MOTS-C to study AMPK-dependent glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity pathways.

MOTS-C Compared with Related Peptides

MOTS-C acts through AMPK activation via a unique mitochondrial-derived pathway, while SLU-PP-332 activates metabolic gene programs through ERR nuclear receptors, and 5-Amino-1MQ modulates NAD+ through NNMT inhibition. Each compound addresses different aspects of cellular energy regulation.

Related products in the Axiom Research Supply catalog: 5-Amino-1MQ, SLU-PP-332.

Research & Handling Guidelines

Reconstitute in sterile water. Store reconstituted peptide at 2–8°C. Lyophilized storage at -20°C. Minimize freeze-thaw cycles.

Why Choose Axiom Research Supply?

Axiom Research Supply provides MOTS-C at ≥98% (HPLC verified), verified through independent HPLC analysis with third-party testing documentation. Every batch undergoes rigorous quality control including identity confirmation, purity assessment, and endotoxin testing. Our peptides are properly lyophilized and shipped with cold-chain protocols to maintain stability from production to your laboratory. Axiom Research Supply is committed to advancing metabolic peptide science with precision, reproducibility, and dedicated research support. Access our educational resources including the Axiom Research Supply Metabolic Peptide Research eBook for comprehensive scientific background.

Product Name MOTS-C
Available Sizes Multiple dosage options available — see product listing
CAS Number 1627580-64-6
Molecular Formula C78H120N22O23S2
Molecular Weight 1805.07 g/mol
Purity ≥98% (HPLC verified)
Physical Form Lyophilized Powder
Storage Store at -20°C, protect from light
Peptide Class Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide (MDP)
Key Receptor Targets AMPK pathway activation (intracellular signaling)
Research Applications AMPK signaling, mitochondrial-nuclear communication, glucose uptake models, exercise physiology, metabolic stress research
MOTS-C is used to study AMPK signaling, mitochondrial-nuclear communication, exercise-responsive metabolism, and glucose uptake in preclinical models.
MOTS-C is a mitochondrial-derived peptide, meaning it is encoded by the mitochondrial genome rather than nuclear DNA. This makes it unique among research peptides.
MOTS-C primarily activates AMPK signaling through a mechanism involving folate cycle disruption and AICAR accumulation.
MOTS-C from Axiom Research Supply is for research use only and is not FDA-approved.
The CAS number for MOTS-C is 1627580-64-6.

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